Analysis of a photonic instantaneous frequency measurement system based on incoherent light sources and dispersion compensation techniques

A photonic approach for instantaneous frequency measurement (P-IFM) with tunable measurement range has been proposed and analyzed. In this paper, incoherent light sources are modulated with Mach-Zehnder Modulator and Phase Modulator simultaneously to obtain complementary frequency responses. A fixed relationship is established between microwave power and frequency through Amplitude Comparison Function (ACF) which increases monotonically over a large frequency band. As constituent parameters, wavelength difference of the incoherent sources and dispersion coefficient both are found to be strongly influential regarding measured frequency. Employment of tunable laser source and dispersion compensation techniques ensures real time response, stability and tunable measurement range.